St Mary's Island

St.Mary’s Islands, also known as Thonsepar are a set of four small islands in Arabian Sea, by the seaside of Malpe in Udupi. The volcanic rock of the St. Mary's Islands was formed by subvolcanic activity. 

Significance

St.Mary's Island also known as Coconut Island, is a picturesque place which is popular for their unique basalt(subvolcanic rock) rock formations.The most significant feature of St.Mary's Island is rare lava formations which are estimated to be over 88 million years old.These rocks were created during the time India was still attached to Madagascar. According to historical sources, Portugese explorer Vasco da Gama is believed to have stopped at St.Mary's Island in 1498. It is said he named the island "O Padrao de Santa Maria" (the standard of St.Mary) in honor of the Virgin Mary, hence the island got the name St.Mary's Island.

How To Reach

Malpe bus stand is the nearest bus stand at a distance of 5.6 KM from the island. You can reach here by taking a local taxi or local bus.